Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1887-04-12
BET; A SKETCH.
CHAPTER THE FIRST.


years ago, in one OF the Midland
counties; a narrow lane between hedg-
es, where the wild rose grew in sweet
profusion: and young man trudging
along, whistling scraps of country
ditties with lusty enjoyment.
lie was strong, well-built fellow,
with an honest, kindly face, that was
redeemed from being commonplace by
the firm lips and bright grey eyes.
In one Land he carried posy OF
glowing summer flowers, and doubt
less it was thoughts OF the future re-
cipient that made him whistle so gaily,
and rejoice 80 glad y in the shining sky
and hot sunshine.
Not that he could have told you
that he revealed in the beauties of
nature, for he was not poetical--ex-
cept in so far that most good men
are so more or less. But he could
have told you that his skies were the
blue eyes OF Bet Woodruff, and his
sunshine was in her smiles.
Jasper Dean was farmer OF the
good old sost--hard. working and per-
iectly content provided the crops were
good, and that sheep-rot did not get
amongst his floeks. HIS little farm
had descended to him from his father,
and here Jasper had lived with his
mother ever since his first entry into
existence. He would not have
bartered his dear old home for all
the splendor Ct a palace. The
quiet life had the charm OF ia
miliarty, and he was disturbed by no
ambition to explore the world in
quest OF novelty or adventure. In
tact, his ambitions, such as they were,
were commonplace enough, though
just at present one OF them seemed
TO himself, at overwhelmingly inter
estinE.
He was engaged to be married; and
his ambition was to make the woman
he loved happy. Bet Woodruffe!
Who could help LOVING Bet, with
+SA EOlNANti ilill stllNl SUI Dlu6 tNtSt
She was an orphan niece OF Jasper
mother, and had lived as pet and
plaything at the farm since she was IL
yearsold. How Jasper had cherished
the little creature, played with her,
and, as she grew older, hoped for herl
She, too. was fond OF good old
Jasper, and thought him the finest
and best fellow in the country.
So 1t came about that they told
each other they could never DO happy
apart. Jasper said that the farm,
with Its pretty gaiden and orchard,
was nothing to him without Bet; and
Bet whispered that she would love to
live there always, with Jasper.
No wonder, then, ii Jasper felt that
life was splendid thing, as he carried
home his posy to Bet. Who would
not think so in such n position?
Yet, as he crossed the meadow lead
ing to the farm, a slight shadow cloud
ed his eyes. and he looked down at the
flowers with half-reeretful sigh.
she was hall-crazed for these anem-
ones lac SAID 10 himself; "and Pve
had tough walk to find 'em. But
the lass takes no thought for such.
like since that artist chaps bin at
her no, nor yet for me, neither.
shes not what she used to be. Like
ly she finds Pm bit dull and rusty.
A great, hulking fellow for such a bit
o sunlight rs she is-biess her! But |
love her, and that's saying moro nor
tother chap, for all his butterina WAYS.
IL were to catch him afoolinr my
lass-lt were tothjnk-"Hecle nched
has hands with momentary anger,
then shook himself impatiently. and,
opening the gate of the orchard. add.
ed, IN never doubt my Bet
trust her for ~ good aud u sensible
lass, Jasper, lad, and thee'll not find
thee was fool for thy pains"
In the garden he found her. She was
not alone, for Allan Challoner. the
artist from London, was putting the
finishing touches to picture in which
Bet was the central figure. He had
peen there most afternoons for the
last three weeks, telling Bet that her
mar and complexion were themes for
an artist to immortalize and Installing
INTO her innocent mind all the insidious
hattery he knew so well how to ad-
minister to all women-ladv or vii.
laee maid alike We may pardon
Jasper a lovers jealousy of such a
rNal-oue, moreover, who would he
no worthy rival, for though he MIGHT
steal Bets heart, it was all in pure
idieness, and he had no love to give
! her IN return.
Bet was sitting, bareheAded, Mt n
spinning wheel, as lovely a model as
could be seen. She looked up as Jas.
per came towards her, and it seemed
TO MN that she was pale, and her
smile little tremulous.
Thee, st been away a long while.
Jasper, she said. "Thy mother :
been asking for thee"
We'll, doubt not she'll iorp, We me
Tor twas for thy sake, lass" he said
putting the flowers IN her lap. "The,
sdidst, one day back, thee wanted
anemones, and I've got EN- Tor thee.
"Oh, good Jasper!'' she cried bury
ing her face in the blossoms. "Ob
good Jasper"
Che laid them against her cheek anS
ever and anon looked up at him ant
! purmured, Good Jasper" in a ton